Reviewed by Tim Holden

Cool Hand Luke might be a new name to most of you, but they are causing quite a stir in the States with their “different” stage show - they perform with their backs to the audience! Added to this their drummer, Mark Nicks, is also the lead singer. “Wake Up, O Sleeper” is their first mainstream release and follows two independent releases since they started in 1998. Having set out to produce more than just their live sound, this album has real depth with keys and strings added to the complex guitar, bass and drum riffs that give Pink Floyd a run for their money. This album is a real breath of fresh air in the radio-ready world of Christian music. The shortest track is five minutes long which gives plenty of space to build songs both musically and lyrically. The songs move easily from gritty, true to life stories to effervescent worship and never pull any punches. The musical style might take a bit of getting used to - it has taken me three or four listens to realise just how good this album is. If you want something different that will lift you towards God, open your eyes and make you think without using a sledgehammer, this is for you.

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